Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  Good little SUV - 2007 Ford Escape
  By JMM - September 3 - 1:03 am

  My wife traded her 2005 Focus in for this because we were having a baby and the car seat didnt fit well in the Focus. The car seat fits nicely in the back of the Escape. The Escape seems well designed for a family with a couple of kids. The AWD will be perfect for getting around in winter in Minnesota. The handeling is great. Gas mileage isnt the best in class. Its also missing some high end technology stuff, and side curtain airbags found in the 07 Japanese alternatives. You have to pay more for that stuff though. We test drove a Saturn Vue, and liked the Escape better. he Escape looks better than any other small SUV in my opinion. I am biased toward buying American

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  This is the only Focus I will own. - 2002 Ford Focus
  By Connie - September 2 - 8:03 pm

  I am so disappointed in this car. I was expecting an economy car and that is not what I got. Driving is fine in good weather, but get a little puddle and this car is thrown around. get a little snow and anthing over 35 miles an hour is a fishtailing experience. I will never own another and I dont recommend one to anyone. A set of new tires that fit this car was over 600 bucks. That was not an endearing feature.

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  Solid - Quick - Smooth - 2008 Ford Focus
  By Dave - September 2 - 7:00 pm

  When I test drove my Focus I was surprised at how well it drove. It accelerates well and the automatic transmission is one of the smoothest Ive ever felt. I drove a Mazda 3 automatic and the downshift was quite abrupt. The Focus downshift is controlled and smooth. Also, this car handles curves excellently. You can keep pushing the throttle on a curve and the car stays on it without body roll. Because of the performance, options and rebate I think it was a good purchase. If you are looking for an inexpensive, fuel efficient, zippy and solid vehicle I recommend this car.

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  Great Little Family Car - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Pastor Gadget - September 2 - 10:00 am

  We area typical family, two adults and two kids. Our ZX5 is our only car and it is not a minivan but it us comfortable for all of us. The car handles well with great power for this class. for the 17 months we have had the car it has had no problems or recalls. We have not had the expected fuel economy but we always have a full load and live in Texas so the air is always. I have been very surprised how much space there is in the hatch with the seats down. Very flexible wth to 60/40 split rear seat.

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  This car sucks! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By HIGHLY UPSET - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I was very proud of my Focus when I first bought it! It was just an adorable car to me...until it started behaving in true Ford fashion! At 33,000 miles, my rear axle actually broke. My tire couldve come off and I couldve been killed! And now my A/C condenser and one of my window regulators are broken..not to mention my radio randomly just shuts off from time to time. Also, my key gets stuck in the ignition or just wont turn to crank up the car! The car needs to be trashed and Im trading it in as soon as I can.

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  This car sucks! - 2000 Ford Focus
  By highly upset - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I was very proud of my Focus when I first bought it! It was just an adorable car to me...until it started behaving in true Ford fashion! At 33,000 miles, my rear axle actually broke. My tire couldve come off and I couldve been killed! And now my A/C condenser and one of my window regulators are broken..not to mention my radio randomly just shuts off from time to time. Also, my key gets stuck in the ignition or just wont turn to crank up the car! The car needs to be trashed and Im trading it in as soon as I can.

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  Happy camper!!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By ANDO - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Man, I love this car. Only had one hickup with it, car wash screwed up headlight, water got in, took it back to Ford, replaced it no questions. First week we had it we drove to Vegas, there were six of us in the car. Man, this thing gets along for its size, that much I can tell you. I get to go in lots of new trucks, Im a photographer and everyone I know has Yukons, Tahoes or Escalades and they are all as impressed with my car as I am. LOVE IT!!!

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  This car is amazing - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By impy - September 2 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best SUV i have ever driven. I have had a GMC Envoy and a Jeep Grand Cherokee, but neither of those measures up to this car. It handles well, it gets pretty good mileage for an SUV, it has great power, and can race with the best of them. My favorite car ever, and should be yours too.

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  Too much money, too little car - 2003 Ford Taurus
  By dtskiles - September 2 - 10:00 am

  1. A car should have pickup or gas mileage. Ideally, it should have both. This car has neither. A Camry or Accord can accelerate faster and needs much less gas. 2. Details details. Why do you have to unfold the front seat to get to the change holder? Why cant the stereo get signal on cloudy days? 3. The car had trouble starting on a mild spring day with only 2200 miles under its belt. Thats pathetic. There was a time when Accords and Camrys were fighting to catch up to the Taurus - Americas #1 selling car in the 80s. Now theyre not in the same class.

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  Ford has stepped it up - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By maxpower220 - September 2 - 9:00 am

  Traded in a Volvo S60R. The FFH has at least as good fit and finish. The FFH is definately more quiet on the road. Sync is awesome, easy to use. Navigation is great. Gas milage is very good. My wife is a home health nurse who drives everywhere for work. Hwy mileage so far is 34 and city has been 36. She does a lot of paperwork in her car sitting still with the A/C on in FL. With "carefull" driving, we get well over 45 in the city. Best short trip (10 miles,city) was just over 51. Short trip info is from car computer. Avg mpg is based on miles/tank. Overall extremely happy with the car. We havent missed the Volvo at all. As gas prices increase, it seems like a better deal everyday.